Bart Pfankuch

A weekslong investigation revealed numerous barriers to health care in rural and reservation areas of South Dakota that are leading to increased illness and higher mortality rates. This is the first of a two-part series.

Motorists trying to cruise through the central Black Hills this summer will encounter a long detour because U.S. Highway 385 is closed.

Kingsbury County in east-central South Dakota, home to De Smet and Laura Ingalls Wilder fame, could see up to a $1 billion jump in its tax base if a large dairy farm and biofuels plant are both built.

"It shows progress on our quality journey and using the same measurement with today’s data would result in higher ratings."

Leaders at Monument Health in Rapid City said they provide quality care despite receiving a 1 out of 5 federal safety and quality rating.

Up to $7 million in grants will soon be available to expand the use of telemedicine and innovative technology to improve health care for the elderly in South Dakota.

Fossil fuels will still play a role: 'On a cold winter morning when it's cloudy and there’s no wind, we’ll still be keeping our members warm with natural gas and coal and diesel.'